I had 4 fantastic choir sessions with the ladies of North Manchester Library. We learnt ‘Fernando’ and the ladies went to see ‘Mama Mia’ the musical. We also did a flash mob style performance in the library, which went down very well.

The ladies have day trips out, so I went to the Manchester Art Gallery and chose a few paintings to connect with our songs, as a way of inspiring us all to take a trip to the gallery. I took photos and projected them onto the wall back at the library.

I made some connections between the first song you hear ‘Bella Mama’ and the paintings of the Manchester born artist Annie Swynerton, exploring themes of motherhood and women’s empowerment. The second song you hear ‘Fernando’ is about two Mexican soldiers recalling their part in the Mexican revolution, so I chose the painting of Andromache, a women who lost her husband and son in the Trojan wars. I also chose some paintings in the current exhibition on mindfulness and a couple of abstract paintings to throw in the mix.

If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down
If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best and it ain’t no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me tryTake a chance on me
(That’s all I ask of you honey)
Take a chance on meWe can go dancing, we can go walking, as long as we’re together
Listen to some music, maybe just talking, get to know you better
‘Cos you know I’ve got
So much that I wanna do, when I dream I’m alone with you
It’s magic
You want me to leave it there, afraid of a love affair
But I think you know
That I can’t let goIf you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down
If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best and it ain’t no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me tryTake a chance on me
(Come on, give me a break will you?)
Take a chance on me
Oh you can take your time baby, I’m in no hurry, know I’m gonna get you
You don’t wanna hurt me, baby don’t worry, I ain’t gonna let you
Let me tell you now
My love is strong enough to last when things are rough
It’s magic
You say that I waste my time but I can’t get you off my mind
No I can’t let go
‘Cos I love you soIf you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down
If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best, baby can’t you see
Gotta put me to the test, take a chance on me
(Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on me)Ba ba ba ba baa, ba ba ba ba baa
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best, baby can’t you see
Gotta put me to the test, take a chance on me
(Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on me)Ba ba ba ba baa, ba ba ba ba baa ba-ba
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me[fade]